August 2015

Third Ward Newsletter
August 2015
Dear Third Ward Resident,
August is a fun and busy month, full of family events, street festivals,
concerts, BBQs and beach days. August also has two of my favorite
annual events, the Bud Billiken Parade on August 8th and the 3rd Ward
Back to School Extravaganza on August 15th. Nothing really says
summer like the Bud Billiken Parade and I'm proud that the parade will
once again march through the heart of Bronzeville down Dr. Martin
Luther King Drive. bringing joy to families, and a bit of nostalgia to
adults.
In This Issue
Third Ward Update
2-8
Events in and Around the Ward
9-10
Important Announcements 11
This year's parade is especially historic as it marks the final parade
for Colonel Eugene F. Scott who is the President of Chicago Defender
Charities, Inc. Chicago Defender Charities has directed the parade since
Employment and Training 12
its inception in 1929 and Colonel Scott is responsible for making sure
the parade continues in its grand tradition as one of the largest and
longest continuous running education parades in the United
Third Ward Star/August CAPS 13
States. Every year, thousands of families line the parade route to see
their favorite floats and enjoy the music, dancing and festivities of the
parade and the picnic at the end of the parade. Leading the parade is one of my favorite events every year,
and it reminds me of how special the people and the neighborhood of Bronzeville truly are.
A week after the Bud Billiken Parade, I host my annual Back to School Extravaganza in Fuller Park. I know
school is probably the last thing on your mind in the middle of the summer, but before you know it the
calendar is going to flip to September and the first day of school will be here on September 8th. So with that
in mind the Back to School Extravaganza offers free school supplies to thousands of area children annually
and it gives residents the opportunity to receive other helpful resources for free in a fun and relaxed
atmosphere. This year's event will be bigger and better than ever. I encourage all of you, whether you have a
child in school or not, to come to the event to have a bit of fun, gets some free food, listen to music and meet
your neighbors.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
Pat Dowell
Alderman, 3rd Ward
Third Ward Update
The Bronzeville Music Festival Launches August 15th!
The Bronzeville Music Festival kicks off at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 15th and will honor the neighborhood's rich
legacy of jazz. The revamped street festival is brought to you courtesy of Alderman Pat Dowell, the 51st St. Business
Association, the South East Chicago Commission and SSA#52, and will feature Norman Connors & the Starship
Orchestra. Also preforming are jazz greats Bobby Irving, Sam Hankins, Maggie Brown, Vince Willis and many, many
more.
Guests attending the festival will enjoy a variety of local foods, a beer and wine garden, arts and crafts, neighborhood
merchandise vendors, and a kids corner containing a magician and pony rides. This is a great event for the entire
family, so come out for a fun-filled day of good food and great music! For more information on the Bronzeville Music
Festival please call 773-285-3401.
Groundbreaking at McCormick Place Hotel and Event Center
On Tuesday, July 28th Alderman Pat Dowell joined Mayor Rahm
Emanuel, Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter, MPEA CEO Lori Healey,
MPEA Chairman Jack Greenberg, Marriott International President
CEO Arne M. Sorenson and Robert Reiter, Secretary Treasurer of the
Chicago Federation of Labor for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the
new Marriott Marquis Chicago Hotel on the corner of Cermak and
Prairie. The project is part of the newly formed McCormick Place
Entertainment District which will include a 10,000 seat event center
anticipated to break ground in November.
Scheduled for completion by August of 2017, the 40 story Marriott
Marquis will boast specialty suites, 90,000 square feet of meeting room
The inaugural groundbreaking for the
space which includes two 25,000 square-foot ballrooms, a great
McCormick Place Hotel and Event Center
room-style restaurant and bar as well as a Marketplace food court which
will feature local food and retail entrepreneurs. The Hotel project will also include the renovation of the historic
American Book Company at 330 E. Cermak Road and two pedestrian bridges spanning over Prairie Avenue and
Cermak Road connecting the Hotel and Event Center to each other and to the convention center. Alderman Dowell
meets monthly with MPEA and the PD3 development team to help ensure that established minority and community
participation goals are met and exceeded on this development.
Bronzeville CAC Honors Local Valedictorians
The Bronzeville Community Action Council (CAC) recently celebrated the hard work and fantastic achievements of
four valedictorians from neighborhood Bronzeville schools. The valedictorians in attendance were Isaiah Kelley from
Hendricks Elementary, Mohammed Lotfi from Drake Elementary, Jumokeife Tillman from Mollison Elementary and
Ja'Kyla Briscoe from Wells Prep.
At the event, valedictorians were treated to pizza and cake and were recognized by the Bronzeville CAC and Alderman
Pat Dowell, who presented each valedictorian with a certificate of achievement. These young men and women are a
shining example of the excellent education offered by neighborhood schools and what hard-work, dedication, and
ability can blossom into.
Families of the valedictorians
Ald. Dowell and BCAC President Harris with the valedictorians
2
Third Ward Update
(Continued)
Park Boulevard Phase 2 Opens
Alderman Pat Dowell, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) Secretary Julian Castro and Acting Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) CEO
Eugene Jones, Jr. opened the second completed phase of Park Boulevard, which
now totals 475 mixed income housing units. This continues the
revitalization of the Bronzeville community at the former Stateway Gardens public
housing site. Phase two contains 108 total mixed-income units of which 37 are
market rate, 34 affordable and 37 public housing units, bringing the total to 475
units at Park Boulevard. Additionally, the Park Boulevard development
contains 11,000 sq. ft. of commercial space along State St.
This development, along with the arrival of businesses such as Jimmy Johns and
Starbucks, and the presence of a wide range of transportation options such as
Metra and CTA has spurred a community renaissance. The next phase will focus
on for sale market-rate homes.
Ald. Dowell discussing Park Boulevard
with Mayor Emanuel and
HUD Secretary Castro
Armstrong Park Playground Ribbon-Cutting
Alderman Dowell joined Vance Henry, Deputy Chief of Community and Faith Based
Initiatives, 2nd District Police, Chicago Park District staff and members of the Lillian
Harding Armstrong Park Advisory Council (PAC) for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at
Lillian Harding Armstrong Park's newly renovated playground at 4433 S. St. Lawrence
Avenue.
The playground was renovated in the fall of 2013 after community members - with the
support of Alderman Dowell- received a financial grant from the Chicago Plays!
Renovation Program. The Park Advisory Council, a voluntary group of individuals who
Ald. Dowell opens Armstrong Playlot meet on a regular basis to support the effective functioning of their local park, was
formed in June of 2014 and is being led by Bruce Sayre the PAC's President. He leads
strong and active PAC membership group consisting of Prentiss Byrd, Marjorie Edwards, Terry Ervin, Kimi Edwards,
Debra Smith and Shelley Davis among others. With the help of the Chicago Park District, the Armstrong PAC and
Alderman Dowell, Armstrong Park is making strides to become a safe, fun and nature-filled playspace.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was the first of two events held at Armstrong Park on July 18th. Armstrong Park was also
selected as a site for Movies in the Park and that evening a free screening of "The Single Moms Club" was projected in the
park. For more information on Chicago Park District events visit www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com or contact the PAC
at 773-915-3645.
16th Street Pedestrian Path Construction Underway
Construction on the 16th Street pedestrian path, which will connect residents near Cotton Tail Park at 44 W. 15th St. to
the area containing the new Mariano's at 17th St. and Dearborn, is quickly moving forward. Not only is the pedestrian
path a much-needed convenience for neighborhood residents who no longer have to walk multiple blocks out of the way
to get their groceries, but it improves neighborhood security by allowing for another badly needed exit point on the south
end of the community.
This path was made possible by the work of Daystar School on 16th St. which worked with the Chicago Department of
Transportation to provide the easement necessary to create the path and the neighborhood homeowner and
condominium associations which provided valuable input into the project.
CYC - Elliott Donnelley Pool Opens!
The pool at the Elliott Donnelley Youth Center (EDYC) located at 3947 S. Michigan has
re-opened! EDYC has an accomplished 90 year history in Bronzeville and continues to
serve residents through its excellent youth programming. One example of the
programming offered at the youth center is CYC's Summer Fun program where children
ages 5-12 are offered an environment to engage in structured, fun, and safe day-camp
activities Monday through Friday, including access to the new pool! Alderman Dowell
applauds CYC for its longstanding commitment to Bronzeville and for the organizations
investment in a remodeled pool for neighborhood children to enjoy. For more information
about CYC EDYC please visit www.chicagoyouthcenters.org or call 312-913-1700.
Children enjoying the new pool
3
Third Ward Update
(Continued)
City Council Offers Residents Opportunity to Submit Budget Ideas
As the City Council begins the 2016 budgetary process, it is no secret that the City of Chicago faces many difficult budgetary decisions. In order to address the budget challenges ahead, the City Council and Alderman Dowell are soliciting ideas
for the budget from community residents. Constituents offer an important perspective on how the City is run and should
have a strong and clear voice on how taxpayer money is spent. If you have ideas that you would like the Alderman to
consider for the upcoming 2016 City of Chicago Budget, please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office using the contact information found at the end of the newsletter.
Alderman Dowell Organizes 51st St. Community Action Night
On July 23rd, Alderman Dowell, 2nd District Police Commander Terence Williams,
the 51st Street Business Association, Quad Community Development Corporation,
the Bronzeville Neighborhood Collaborative and numerous other community
groups came together to organize an event to "Take Back" 51st Street. At the 51st
St. Community Action Night event residents, business owners, community leaders
and the 2nd District Police stood up against violence and gathered along the busy
commercial corridor. During the event the Alderman discussed the importance of
residents and businesses calling the police when people are being disruptive, and to
participate in their CAPS Business and local CAPS meetings.
(Group gathers on 51st St. to hear from Ald. Dowell)
Fresh Moves Mobile Markets Set to Launch
Partnering with Growing Power, the City of Chicago announced that the Fresh Moves Mobile Markets initiative will begin
providing affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in food desert communities on the City's south and west sides. The City
will provide an out-of-service transit bus plus fuel and maintenance for one year in support of the program which will
offer affordable, locally-sourced fresh fruits and vegetables in undeserved areas.
The bus will be retrofitted by Growing Powers to serve as a mobile market, making community stops throughout the
week at public locations including schools, health clinics, and community centers where residents can purchase fresh
produce. Residents will be able to use SNAP to make purchases.
Locations in/near the 3rd Ward include:
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy (239 E. 32nd St.)
Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Centers for New Horizons, James Pitts Center (226 E. 43rd St.)
Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
The Renaissance Collaborative Senior Village (346 E. 53rd St.)
Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
KLEO Center (119 E. Garfield Blvd.)
Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Dearborn Homes (2960 S. Federal St.)
Saturdays from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Overton School Sold to Washington Park Development Group
In late July the former Overton School building at 221 E. 49th St. was sold by the Chicago Board of Education to the
Washington Park Development Group, who hopes to remodel the facility into a live-work space for local residents. Led
by Ghian Foreman, the developer's vision is to turn the facility into a space where accountants, chefs, artists, and other
business people can live and work out of simultaneously, helping residents find a convenient place to both live and grow
their small, local businesses.
Renovations to the building will take upwards of one year, pending the issuance of all permits and approvals. The
Washington Park Development Group will present their vision for the building and take questions and comments from
the public at an upcoming Bronzeville Community Action Council meeting.
4
Third Ward Update (Continued)
Minnie Riperton Construction Update
By January 2017 the Chicago Housing Authority needs to replace all of the plumbing pipes behind the walls of each unit
and install a new fire suppression system at the Minnie Riperton Apartments (4250 S. Princeton) to comply with the High
Rise Life Safety Ordinance. Some of the quality-of-life upgrades will include: new air conditioning for each residential
unit, new cabinets in kitchens, updated bathrooms, new appliances and new pipes for all units. Additionally the building
will receive upgrades to improve building safety in the event of a fire, additional cameras to ensure better monitoring, an
improved fire alarm system to offer better warning in the event of an emergency, an updated elevator recall system that
will ensure passengers are returned to a safe area in case of a fire, and a two-way communication system to alert
emergency responders of people that are unable to use the stairs.
Construction is currently scheduled to take 19 months (July 2015 to February 2017). During construction contractors will
be working in common areas and units. Certain areas will be "out of service" while upgrades are taking place. Signs will
be posted in work areas to alert residents. All residents will have to move out of their apartment at some point
during the construction process. Every resident has the right to return by the end of the construction
process. In October 2015 tiers 13 & 15 will be vacated for construction. By February 2017 all off-site residents will be
able to return to Minnie Riperton Apts. CHA will pay for all moving expenses. Residents will keep the same bedroom size
but not the same exact unit.
A list of temporary apartments has been made available by your building management. The Resident Service Coordinator
will be your point of contact for the temporary move process.
DFSS Summer Senior Life Enrichment Guide Now Available
The summer issue of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Service's Senior Life Enrichment Guide is now
available at my office, at the department's regional and satellite senior centers, libraries and many other locations.
The guide highlights programs and activities offered by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services for
Chicagoans ages "60 Years and Better" during the summer.
Inside, seniors will find information about health and wellness, educational, recreational and many other types of events,
trips, classes and lectures, along with schedules and registration details. Most of these are free or at a nominal cost.
The contents of the guide are also posted online at www.cityofchicago.org/fss. Further information about DFSS services
and programs is available by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Network (ADRN) at (312) 744-4016.
Bus Shelter to be Installed at 48th and King Drive
Alderman Dowell and the Chicago Department of Transportation are happy to announce the installation of a new bus
shelter for southbound commuters on King Drive and 48th Street. Installation is expected to be complete by the fall
construction season. The #3 King bus is an important line for the entire South Side of Chicago, connecting residents who
live as far south as Chicago State University to a convenient central location downtown Chicago.
New Water Main on W. Root St. from Emerald Ave. to Princeton Ave. & S. Wallace St. from W.
41st St. to W. 43rd St.
Alderman PAt Dowell and the Department of Water Management are pleased to inform you that DWM will install
approximately 4,423 feet of 8-inch water main on W. Root St. from Emerald Ave. to Princeton Ave. and S. Wallace St.
from W. 41st St. to W. 43rd St.
Water main installation is anticipated to begin shortly with completion of the project expected in late November
2015. DWM will allow traffic to flow on W. Root St. and S. Wallace St. outside of working hours. When they are working
in the street, they will have to close the entire street for reasons of safety. Residents will always be able to reach their
homes or businesses, even if it means putting a metal plate in place. Outside of working hours, a lane will be left open for
local traffic only. "No Parking" signs will be posted as needed during work hours (7:00 am to 4:00 pm). Residents are
allowed to park outside of these hours, but will have to move their cars by the start of the next work day.
Every effort will be made to expedite project completion and minimize the inconvenience to residents. Should you have
questions regarding this project, please call the 3rd Ward office at 773-373-9273 or the Department of Water Management
at 312-744-4420.
5
Third Ward Update
(Continued)
Alderman Dowell Calls for Hearing on Norfolk Southern Thefts
Two recent thefts of firearms from Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) boxcars have prompted Alderman Pat Dowell and
Alderman Roderick Sawyer (6th) to call for hearings on the company's safety and security procedures. On April 12, 2015,
one-hundred and eleven firearms were stolen from a NS boxcar in the South Chicago neighborhood and in May 2014
thirteen Smith and Wesson sport rifles were stolen from a NS boxcar in the Englewood community.
The members of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police division are tasked with securing the railroad boxcars and
indirectly are responsible for the safety of the surrounding neighborhood. Allowing over a hundred firearms onto the
already over-saturated Chicago streets is an obvious failure of their responsibilities. Holding a hearing in the City of
Chicago's Public Safety Committee will help hold Norfolk Southern accountable for their egregious error and hopefully
prevent something like this from happening again.
Hearing on Transportation Network Providers License Asked for by Alderman Dowell
With the growth of companies like Uber, the City of Chicago established a license for operators of "e-hail" applications
called the Transportation Network Providers (TNP) license. This license established a regulatory framework for TNP
companies that is significantly less costly and burdensome than the regulations that apply to licensed taxi owners and
drivers in terms of insurance requirements, vehicle age and equipment requirements and licensing fees. This two-tiered
regulatory framework has had a major impact on the taxi industry as well as City revenue as revenue from the taxis has
declined sharply. Furthermore, Uber and other TNP companies have been subject to multiple legal actions over the past
year brought by their own drivers and the public alleging various labor law violations and other questionable business
practices.
In light of this ongoing situation, Alderman Dowell and over two dozen of her colleagues are calling for a hearing on TNP
companies to review their current business and employment practices. Its important that these new companies servicing
residents of the City of Chicago are doing so fairly and safely.
Ben Winick to Lead the Council Office of Financial Analysis
In order to receive objective and independent analysis of the financial impact of policies proposed in City Council,
Alderman Dowell worked with her colleagues to create the Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA). On July 7th, the
Council Office of Financial Analysis Oversight Committee appointed Ben Winick to lead the office. Ben has a long history
of service, previously working as the vice president of Innovation Illinois as well as in the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. The choice of Mr. Winick was approved by the full City Council on July 29th.
The Council Office of Financial Analysis will, for the first time, provide Aldermen independent budgetary analysis of
policy proposals under consideration in City Council. This objective financial analysis is critical for Aldermen as the City
faces many critical budgetary decisions. Alderman Dowell is one of seven members of the Council Office of Financial
Analysis Oversight Committee.
City Council Tackles Bank Lending Practices
Municipal Depositories are financial institutions that hold hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on behalf of the City of
Chicago, similar to how a bank holds money for individuals in savings or checking accounts. However, despite holding
these funds, banks are under no obligation to provide current and accurate information on their lending practices to
support residents, small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs in the very city in which the banks are receiving
the privilege of holding public funds.
To ensure financial institutions are helping the community in exchange for being named a municipal depository,
Alderman Pat Dowell is supporting a measure by Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers requiring these institutions
annually submit federal data under the guidelines of the Community Reinvestment Act and the Home Mortgage
Disclosure Act. This will ensure that the City's financial partners are supporting their communities while leveling the playing field for small, local banks to participate. The transparency provided by this ordinance will promote
accountability for banks' local investment practices, setting a higher standard for those who wish to do business with the
City.
6
Third Ward Update
(Continued)
Divvy Expansion and Program Changes
As the Divvy bike share program continues to expand across Chicago, CDOT is
offering reduced-cost annual memberships to residents with incomes 300
percent of the federal poverty level, no credit or debit card required. For
Divvy for Everyone (D4E) program participants, annual memberships will be
$5 instead of the regular $75 price.
D4E applicants must appear in person at any of five Local Initiatives Support
Corporation (LISC) Financial Opportunity Centers - located in Bronzeville
(4655 S. King Dr., 2nd Floor), Englewood, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park
and Ravenswood - and provide proof of income and Chicago residency. Once
qualified residents will be issued a Divvy member key on-site. The $5
membership program will last one year.
Mayor Emanuel opens new DIVVY station
Additionally, starting Wednesday, July 22nd, normal 24-hour Divvy passes will be available for $9.95 up from
$7. When renting a Divvy bike using a 24-hour pass, riders receive unlimited trips of 30 minutes or less for a 24-hour
period. Alderman Dowell's office has a limited number of discount cards for residents to receive $2.95 off the price of a
24-hour pass for those people who would like to try Divvy at the discounted previous price.
If you have any questions about the Divvy program, please email [email protected].
Street Resurfacing - 43rd St. from Wentworth Ave. to Lowe Ave.
Alderman Dowell along with the Chicago Department of Transportation are happy to announce that funding has been
secured to resurface 43rd St. from Wentworth Ave. to Lowe Ave. The project will include badly-needed resurfacing for
the street underneath the viaduct just west of Shields Ave. on 43rd Street.
43rd St. is a high-traffic area for residents and trucks exiting and entering the Dan Ryan. It is also the only road that
connects residents and students of Hendricks Elementary School to the nearby Canaryville Library.
June 2015 Top Ten 311 Requests
Request Type
Number of Requests
Family and Support Services - Human Services
92
CDOT - Electrical Operations
69
Animal Care and Control
56
Streets and Sanitation - Street Operations
51
Streets and Sanitation - Sanitation Violations
48
DWM - Sewer Repair
44
Streets and Sanitation - Garbage Carts
43
Streets and Sanitation - Rodent Control
34
Streets and Sanitation - Forestry
29
Buildings - Vacant Buildings
28
7
Third Ward Update
(Continued)
June 2015 Top 10 Streets and Sanitation Requests
Troubled Business
Upon the request of Alderman Dowell, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection executed a
complete store inspection of Hyde Park Golo at 123 E. 51st St. As a result, a citation was issued for the sale of tobacco
products to an individual who is under the age of 18.
Hyde Park Golo
123 E. 51st St
Date of Investigation
June 22, 2015
Violations
Furnishing tobacco products, samples or accessories to
an individual who is under the age of eighteen (18)
Fine: $2,040
Expansion of Apostolic Faith Church Passes Zoning Committee
With Alderman Dowell's support, the proposed expansion of Apostolic Faith Church at 3823 S. Indiana passed a key
hurdle in City Council and is one-step closer to becoming a reality. The expansion plans for the church consist of the
construction of a new sanctuary and two floors of administrative office space, meeting rooms, classrooms, childcare
facilities and a community center. The existing sanctuary will be converted into a banquet facility. The church will also
improve vacant land on Indiana Avenue and Pershing Road so it can be used as parking to be shared with neighboring
Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
MAPSCorps Providing Asset Mapping for Bronzeville
Through a partnership between the University of Chicago and the Centers for New Horizons, nearly a dozen youth are
surveying the community to "map" community health resources. Born out of the University of Chicago's South Side
Health and Vitality Studies, participating youth are trained in field data and collection techniques and in July head out
into the community to record first hand the resources that are available to residents in the area. Once all of the data is
collected, the youth present their findings at the MAPSCorps Scientific Symposium and then post them on an online
map available to community residents at mapscorps.org.
This program has wide-reaching positive effects on both the youth participants and the communities being
mapped. Youth build marketable employment skills while the communities they serve get important information they
can use to achieve better health outcomes. With the asset mapping process underway you may soon see a youth
program participant in your neighborhood!
8
Events in and Around the Ward
Join Your Local Police District for National Night Out August 4th
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and
neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. National Night Out enhances the
relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by offering a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors
together under positive circumstances. Local events on August 4th will include prizes, food, and entertainment for all
ages!
1st District
Cotton Tail Park (44 W. 15th St.)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
312-745-4381
7th District
Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine)
3:00 pm to sundown
312-747-8220
2nd District
Washington Park (5531 S. King Drive behind field house)
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
312-747-5109
9th District
Cornell Square Park (1809 W. 50th St.)
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
312-747-3501
Lutheran Social Services 15th Annual Health and Education Expo
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is proud to host the 15th Annual Health and Education Expo. At the expo,
school-age children from 3 to 21 years old will be able to receive immunizations, vision and health screenings, physical
and dental exams. LSSI is also offering free haircuts, free books, snow cones and popcorn, games, prizes and
music! Free parking is available. For more information call 312-949-4340.
Where: De La Salle High School (3434 S. Michigan)
When: August 5th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
NuWay Educational Corporation Planning Your Business Series
This session brought to you by NuWay Educational Corporation will assist participants with understanding and writing
budgets and provide participants the financial tools necessary for a successful business. You can find more
information on NuWay at www.nuedcorp.com or call 773-556-8274.
Where: IIT Stewart Building (10 W. 31st St.)
When: Saturday, August 8th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The Impact of Chicago's Budget on African Americans
Dr. Amara Enyia, Dr. Stephen Alexander and Cedric Williams are hosting a seminar on the Impact of Chicago's budget
policies and programs on African Americans. Learn about who pays the taxes and who benefits from these funding
decisions.
Where: St. Columbanus Church's Glass House (331 E. 71st St.)
When: Saturday, August 8th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Senior Enrichment Seminar Series: Senior Benefits and Services
Are you 60 an over or have a disability? did you know that there is help available? You may be eligible for help with
your health care costs, Medicare premiums, utility bills, prescription costs and grocery bills. Elizabeth Steimel,
Community Engagement and Benefits Access Specialist at AgeOptions and the Public Benefits Practice Group from the
Legal Assistance Foundation will tell you about the different public benefit programs that may be available to you, how
you can use them, and where to apply! To register call 312-603-9233.
Where: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington, Room 2005)
When: Tuesday, August 11th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
9
Events in and Around the Ward (continued)
Foster Hope. Foster a Child
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is seeking qualified foster parents. There is a great need for foster parents in
the community! Please come and find out how you can become a licensed foster parent. You can make an amazing
impact on a child's life! For more information, please contact Ramona Shaeffer at 312-949-4807 or
[email protected].
Where: Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (10 W. 35th St., 12th Fl.)
When: Tuesday, August 11th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Back to School Bank Day
Presented by the Monroe Foundation, Back to School Bank Day teaches residents how to budget, save and understand
credit. Attendees can earn a Money Smart Certificate and win prizes. Youth ages 16 to 23 will receive a $20 deposit
when opening a Student Checking account for $5. Please register at [email protected] or call 773914-1534.
Where: AKArama Community Service Center (6220 S. Ingleide)
When: Saturday, August 15th. Doors open at 9:30 am, the program begins at 10:00 am
3rd Ward Back to School Extravaganza
Join Alderman Dowell for the 9th Annual Back to School Extravaganza! This year will be bigger and better than ever
with entertainment, free back to school supplies for students, food and resources for parents and families. For more
information please call 773-373-9273.
Where: Fuller Park (331 W. 45th St.)
When: Saturday, August 15th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Bronzeville Music Festival
The 51st Street Business Association, Alderman Pat Dowell, the South East Chicago Commission and SSA #52 are
proud to present The Bronzeville Music Festival - Honoring the Legacy of Jazz. The event will feature Norman
Connors & the Starship Orchestra and jazz greats Bobby Irving, Sam Hankins, Maggie Brown, Vince Willis and many,
many more. Vendors will be on-site selling a variety of local food, beer, wine, arts & crafts, and other
merchandise. Children can enjoy the kids corner, a magician and pony rides! For more information call 773-285-3401.
Where: 51st and Martin Luther King Drive
When: Saturday, August 15th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Free Back to School Event from Sinai Medical Group
Visit to enjoy great back to school fun! The event will feature a magician, face painting, a raffle, refreshments and most
importantly free school supplies. Come meet Sinai's doctors and get access to important healthcare information. For
more information please call 773-924-5895 or visit www.sinai.org.
Where: Sinai Medical Group South State (5050 S. State St., 2nd Floor)
When: Saturday, August 15th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Senior Enrichment Seminar Series: Reverse Mortgages
The Circuit Court of Cook County's Elder Justice Center is hosting a seminar on reverse mortgages. At the seminar,
Professor R. Dennis Smith of The John Marshall Law School will discuss the mechanics of a reverse mortgage, the
program requirements of a federally-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage loan, and
the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage. To register please call 312-603-9233.
Where: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington, Room 2005)
When: Thursday, August 27th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
10
Important Announcements
Soldier Field Events
Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop during all Chicago Bears football games as well as other events
hosted at Soldier Field. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid Soldier Field Parking Pass or Soldier Field
Guest Pass are subject to ticketing or towing.
For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.SoldierField.net/events. The 3rd Ward is providing the list
below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of Soldier
Field events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional
events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place.
August 2nd at 7:30 am - Biggest Loser
Half Marathon/5k
August 8th at 9:30 am - Chicago Bears
Meijer Family Fest
August 13th at 7:00 pm - Chicago Bears August 23rd at 7:00 pm - One Direction
vs. Miami Dolphins Preseason Game
Concert
ComEd Opens Temporary Satellite Locations
In order to assist residents in paying their energy bills, ComEd has opened up several temporary satellite locations
across the city. The closest location for 3rd Ward residents is at Fellowship Baptist Church, 4543 S. Princeton. The
Fellowship office will be open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. At the satellite offices, customers will be able to apply
for ComEd's Residential Special Hardship program and receive financial assistance. Offices opened July 27th for a
limited time until funds are exhausted. When visiting a satellite office, please bring: Proof of gross income for the 30day period prior to the application date, copy of your current ComEd electric service bill, proof of ID, Social Security or
Tax Identification number, and proof of hardship. Proof of hardship can include medical bills, military service, senior,
disability, loss of employment, family crisis, etc.
Old Post Office at 19 W. 16th St. Available for Sale
The former US Post Office building at 19 W. 16th St. is now for sale. This South Loop site offers close proximity to a
brand new Mariano's and Columbia College. The 28,311 sq. ft. one story building sits on 54,000 sq. ft. and is zoned DS
-5, making it eligible for commercial/business and services use, but not for residential. The site is featured between
Chinatown to the west, the Roosevelt Road retail corridor at 12th St. to the north and the New McCormick Place
Entertainment District at 22nd St. to the south. For more information please contact Mitch Adams at 312-935-1469/
[email protected] or Mike Nardini at 312-935-1030/[email protected].
GED Testing Free Classes
Improve your skills in: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, GED preparation, computer assisted
learning and family learning programs. Registration for new students begins September 8-17. For more information,
please call 312-747-3468. Classes are held at the Chicago Bee Branch Library, 3647 S. State St., 2nd Floor.
Illinois Eye Institute Provides Eye Exams for CPS Students
The Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) at Princeton Elementary School (5125 S. Princeton) provides eye care for students from
Chicago Public Schools. IEI accepts vision coverage in most insurance plans and has resources if students are
uninsured. Children entering he school district for the first time require a complete eye exam. The clinic is open
Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Afternoon hours are by appointment only. Walk-ins are welcome
from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Glasses pick up is available 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Please call 312949-7990 or 773-535-8675 for an appointment or the day before to verify walk-in hours.
Red Clay Dance Academy Summer Performing Arts Camp
Red Clay Dance Academy, located in Fuller Park, is hosting their first Summer Performing Arts Camp from August
24th-28th. Select youth from camp will perform in our Night Out in The Parks event on August 29th at Fuller Park.
Summer Camp runs from 9am-3pm. Open to ages 7-15. Cost is $100 for the week. Youth must bring own lunch. Snack
will be provided. Daily classes in various styles of dance, creative writing and theater. Register online
at www.redclaydance.com/rcdacdemy or call (773) 624-8411.
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Employment and Training
Drive for Uber Recruiting Session
Uber and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership are hosting a recruiting session to drive with the car-sharing
smartphone app Uber. With Uber you can choose your own hours and make up to $25/hour in fares, all with no office
and no boss. Register at t.uber.com/chi10000. Please bring your driver's license, vehicle registration and vehicle
insurance.
Where: Mid-South Workforce Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)
When: Tuesday, August 4th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Community Watchers Needed for CPS Safe Passage Program
Work to keep your community's children safe. Be a part of the CPS Safe Passage program as an employee of the
Centers for New Horizons team. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and should live within the 60653, 60616 or
60609 zip codes. Applicants must bring a valid government issued photo ID card, original Social Security card and an
ink pen. For more information please call 773-538-2388.
Where: Centers for New Horizons (226 E. 43rd St.)
When: Tuesday, August 4th at 2:00 pm
Greater West Town's Wood Products Manufacturing Training
Build a Career at No Cost! In wood products manufacturing training students challenge their problem solving skills
and learn CNC and machine skills to build beautiful, high-end, custom-made furniture and cabinetry in our state-ofthe-art facility and earn a 10-hour OSHA safety card. Job placement services are included in this 15week training. Training is full time, Monday through Friday and will puts graduates on the fast-track to a career!
Training is at no cost to income-eligible applicants. No experience necessary; motivation a must! Must be drug-free,
ready-to-work, and at least 18 years old. Call 312-563-9570 to register orwoodworking.gwtp.edu or
email [email protected].
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Third Ward Star
In August, the 3rd Ward had to say goodbye to two fantastic interns, Malik Baker and Sam Alexander III. It is always
hard to lose interns at the end of their internships, but this was especially difficult as Malik and Sam really became
valued members of the office. Many of you may have met Malik and Sam when visiting the office or talked to them on
the phone, and I hope you were impressed by their friendly attitude and dedication to the residents of the 3rd Ward.
Malik moves on to fulfill his dream of serving in the armed forces. As a member of the junior ROTC at Chicago Military
Academy, Malik went straight to basic training following the completion of his internship. I know that his intelligence
and commitment to service will be an asset as he moves on to the next phase in his career.
Sam Alexander III will be returning to Western Illinois University where he is majoring in exercise science with a minor
in business management. Sam brought to the office an excellent understanding the community and how government
operates, and he put that knowledge to work as a valued intern in the 3rd Ward.
Malik with Ald. Dowell
Sam with Ald. Dowell
August CAPS Meetings
Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to
address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important
information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable
information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out
what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood
1st District
131/132
August 18th @ 7 pm
Hilliard Apartments
(30 W. Cermak)
2nd District
133
August 19th @ 7 pm
Dearborn Homes
(2930 S. Dearborn)
211
August 10th @ 6:30 pm
Il. College of Optometry
(3240 S. Indiana)
212/214
213/215/224
No Meeting (National Night August 12th @ 6:30
Out)
St. Elizabeth's
(4058 S. Michigan)
7th District
221/223
August 18th @ 6:30 pm
King Center
(4313 S. Cottage Grove)
225/231
711/712
August 13th @ 6:30pm August 25th @ 6:30
Coppin AME Church
7th District Station
(5627 S. Michigan)
(1438 W. 63rd)
9th District
915
August 11th @ 6:30 pm
9th Dist. Station
(3120 S. Halsted)
924/931/933
925
August 4th @ 6:00 pm August 19th @ 6:00 pm
Park Federal Bank
St. Gabriel's Church
(1823 W. 47th)
(4500 S. Wallace)
934/935
August 18th @ 6:00 pm
Westhaven Homes
(850 W. Garfield)
Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell | 5046 S. State St. | Chicago, IL. | (773) 373-9273 | [email protected]
www.dowellforthirdward.com | Facebook.com/aldermanpat.dowell | Twitter: @aldpatdowell3rd
Hours: Mon.—Wed.: 9am-5pm Thurs.: 12-8pm (Ward Night from 6-8), Fri.: 9am-1pm, Every Third Sat.: 10am-1pm
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